Analysis
Union University's accounting bachelor's appears to track closely with Tennessee's accounting market, where similar programs produce first-year earnings around $52,000. At an estimated $23,500 in debt, the 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably within industry normsβyou're looking at manageable monthly payments for a field where steady employment tends to be the rule rather than the exception. The school's 47% admission rate and solid SAT scores suggest reasonable academic preparation, which matters in accounting where credentialing requirements demand rigor.
The challenge here is that while peer Tennessee programs suggest stable outcomes, Union sits in the middle of the pack for a state where accounting programs bunch together tightlyβthere's only about a $2,000 spread between most programs. You're essentially paying for Union's private school environment without clear evidence of better placement outcomes. Accounting is a profession where credentials and passing the CPA exam matter more than institutional prestige, which levels the playing field considerably.
For a numbers-oriented student committed to accounting, this program looks financially viable based on what similar Tennessee schools achieve. The debt burden won't be crushing, and accounting jobs exist across industries. However, if your child is still exploring majors or you're concerned about cost, Tennessee's public options deliver comparable results at likely lower total cost. Union makes most sense if its smaller campus culture or faith-based mission provides value your family specifically wants.
Where Union University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,450 | $51,694* | β | $23,491* | β | |
| $8,568 | $53,620* | $50,033 | $29,250* | 0.55 | |
| $22,690 | $53,577* | $70,035 | $16,750* | 0.31 | |
| $13,484 | $53,197* | $71,799 | $22,000* | 0.41 | |
| $13,920 | $52,373* | $56,398 | $54,989* | 1.05 | |
| $9,506 | $51,963* | $59,969 | $24,553* | 0.47 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694* | β | $25,000* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Union University, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.